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Lowcountry marsh and waterway, Bluffton South Carolina

Bluffton, SC

Things to Do in Bluffton, SC

From paddling the May River to walking Old Town's live-oak canopy streets — a local guide to the best of Bluffton and the surrounding Lowcountry.

Bluffton's appeal is rooted in its natural setting and historic character rather than manufactured attractions. The May River, Old Town's National Register district, Pinckney Island National Wildlife Refuge, and a world-class golf corridor are the four pillars — and each rewards unhurried exploration.

Old Town Bluffton

Church of the Cross

Church of the Cross

Built in 1857 in the Gothic Revival style, the Church of the Cross is one of the most photographed landmarks in the Lowcountry. It sits on a bluff directly above the May River at the foot of Calhoun Street. The church survived the Civil War — Union troops burned most of Old Town in 1863 but spared the church — and remains an active Episcopal congregation. The grounds are open to visitors daily; the interior can be visited during services or by arrangement. Address: 110 Calhoun St, Bluffton, SC 29910.

  • Free to visit
  • Historic landmark
  • Photography
  • Episcopal church
Heyward House Historic Center

Heyward House Historic Center

The Heyward House (c. 1840) is one of the oldest surviving structures in Bluffton and serves as the town's official welcome center and museum. The house is named for the Heyward family, who owned it in the antebellum era. Guided tours cover the history of Old Town from its founding through the Civil War and Reconstruction. The Bluffton Historical Preservation Society operates the house and offers walking tour maps of the historic district. Open Tuesday–Saturday. Address: 70 Boundary St, Bluffton, SC 29910. Admission charged for tours.

  • Museum
  • Guided tours
  • Welcome center
  • Civil War history
Oyster Factory Park

Oyster Factory Park

Oyster Factory Park sits on the May River bluff at the foot of Wharf Street, on the site of a 19th-century oyster processing operation. It's a small public park with a boat landing, picnic tables, and one of the best sunset views in Bluffton. The park is the primary public access point to the May River in Old Town and the launch point for most kayak and paddleboard outfitters. Free to visit. Address: Wharf St, Bluffton, SC 29910.

  • Free
  • River access
  • Sunset views
  • Kayak launch
Calhoun Street Galleries and Shops

Calhoun Street Galleries and Shops

Calhoun Street is the main commercial corridor of Old Town, lined with art galleries, boutiques, antique shops, and restaurants beneath a canopy of live oaks. The Society of Bluffton Artists (SoBA) gallery at 6 Church St is a cooperative of local artists and one of the anchor cultural institutions in town. Other galleries include the Bluffton Art Gallery and numerous working artist studios. The Old Town Bluffton Farmers Market operates on Tuesdays and Thursdays at Calhoun Square (seasonal). Walking the street from Boundary Street to the river takes about 15 minutes at a leisurely pace.

  • Art galleries
  • Shopping
  • Walkable
  • Farmers market (seasonal)

Outdoor & Nature

Pinckney Island National Wildlife Refuge

Pinckney Island National Wildlife Refuge

Pinckney Island NWR is a 4,053-acre refuge managed by the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, located on US-278 between Bluffton and Hilton Head Island — about 5 miles from Old Town. The refuge encompasses Pinckney Island and several smaller islands, with 14 miles of unpaved trails through salt marsh, freshwater ponds, and maritime shrub habitat. It's one of the premier birding destinations in the Southeast: roseate spoonbills, wood storks, bald eagles, painted buntings, and great blue herons are regularly observed. Entry is free and the refuge is open daily from sunrise to sunset. No motorized vehicles; hiking and cycling only. Parking at the US-278 entrance.

  • Free admission
  • Birding
  • Hiking
  • Cycling
  • 14 miles of trails
Kayaking and Paddleboarding the May River

Kayaking and Paddleboarding the May River

The May River is one of the cleanest tidal rivers in South Carolina and a natural draw for paddlers. The primary public launch in Old Town is at Oyster Factory Park (Wharf St). Several outfitters operate in and around Bluffton offering guided tours, rentals, and instruction. Outside Hilton Head (outsidehiltonhead.com) is one of the most established outfitters in the area, offering guided kayak and paddleboard tours of the May River and surrounding marshes. Conditions are best at mid-tide; the river is tidal so plan around the tide chart. Water temperature is comfortable for paddling from April through October.

  • Water activity
  • Guided tours available
  • Rentals
  • All skill levels
Inshore Fishing Charters

Inshore Fishing Charters

The May River, Calibogue Sound, and surrounding Lowcountry waters are productive inshore fisheries. Redfish (red drum), speckled trout, flounder, and sheepshead are the primary targets. Numerous licensed captains operate out of Bluffton and Hilton Head offering half-day (4-hour) and full-day (8-hour) charters. Most trips are light-tackle inshore fishing in the creeks and flats. Bluffton Charter Fishing and several independent captains list on sites like FishingBooker. Rates typically run $350–$500 for a half-day for up to 4 anglers. No fishing license required when fishing with a licensed charter captain.

  • Fishing
  • Charter boats
  • Redfish & trout
  • Half-day & full-day

Arts & Culture

Society of Bluffton Artists (SoBA)

Society of Bluffton Artists (SoBA)

SoBA is a nonprofit cooperative gallery and arts organization founded in 1998, housed in a historic building at 6 Church St in Old Town. The gallery represents more than 100 local and regional artists working in painting, sculpture, photography, ceramics, and mixed media. SoBA hosts monthly receptions, workshops, and the annual Bluffton Arts & Seafood Festival. Open Tuesday–Saturday, 10am–5pm; Sunday 11am–3pm. Admission is free. Address: 6 Church St, Bluffton, SC 29910.

  • Free admission
  • Local art
  • Gallery
  • Workshops
Bluffton Arts & Seafood Festival

Bluffton Arts & Seafood Festival

The Bluffton Arts & Seafood Festival is an annual outdoor festival held each October in Old Town, organized by SoBA. The festival features more than 100 juried artists and craftspeople, live music, and Lowcountry seafood vendors. It's one of the largest arts events in the South Carolina Lowcountry and draws visitors from across the region. The festival takes place along Calhoun Street and in Calhoun Square. Admission is free. Dates vary — check the SoBA website (sobaart.org) for the current year's schedule.

  • Annual festival
  • October
  • Free admission
  • Art & seafood
Old Town Bluffton Farmers Market

Old Town Bluffton Farmers Market

The Old Town Bluffton Farmers Market operates seasonally at Calhoun Square, typically on Tuesday and Thursday mornings from spring through fall. Vendors sell locally grown produce, Lowcountry honey, baked goods, plants, and artisan crafts. The market is a community gathering point and a good place to find seasonal Lowcountry ingredients including May River oysters (in season, September–April). Check the Town of Bluffton website for current season dates and hours.

  • Seasonal
  • Local produce
  • Tuesday & Thursday
  • Free

Day Trips

Hilton Head Island

Hilton Head Island

Hilton Head Island is 12 miles east of Bluffton via US-278 — about a 20-minute drive. The island is known for its 12 miles of Atlantic beach, the Sea Pines Resort (home of the RBC Heritage PGA Tour event), Harbour Town, and a large concentration of golf courses. Coligny Beach Park is the main public beach access point. The island is significantly more developed and tourist-oriented than Bluffton; it's a natural complement to a Bluffton-based trip for beach days.

  • 20 min drive
  • Beach access
  • Golf
  • Sea Pines Resort
Savannah, Georgia

Savannah, Georgia

Downtown Savannah is approximately 25 miles southwest of Bluffton — about a 35-minute drive via I-95 South and I-16. Savannah's Historic District, with its 22 park squares, antebellum architecture, River Street, and restaurant scene, makes it one of the most visited cities in the Southeast. The Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport (SAV) is also in this direction, making Savannah a natural first or last stop for visitors flying in.

  • 35 min drive
  • Historic district
  • Dining & nightlife
  • Day trip
Beaufort, SC

Beaufort, SC

Beaufort is the county seat of Beaufort County and one of the oldest cities in South Carolina, located about 30 miles north of Bluffton via US-278 and US-21. The Beaufort Historic District is a National Historic Landmark with antebellum homes, waterfront parks, and a walkable downtown. The town has a strong arts scene, good restaurants, and the Beaufort Water Festival (July) is one of the largest events in the Lowcountry. The University of South Carolina Beaufort campus is also here.

  • 30 min drive
  • Historic district
  • Waterfront
  • Day trip

Plan your visit

Practical Visitor Information

Getting There

Bluffton is 30 miles north of Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport (SAV) via I-95 North and US-278 — about a 35-minute drive. From Charleston, it's 90 miles south on I-95 (about 1.5 hours). There is no public transit to Bluffton; a rental car is strongly recommended.

Getting Around

Old Town Bluffton is entirely walkable — Calhoun Street, the Church of the Cross, Heyward House, and Oyster Factory Park are all within a 10-minute walk of each other. A car is needed to reach Pinckney Island NWR (5 miles east on US-278) and most golf courses.

Best Time to Visit

Spring (March–May) and fall (September–November) offer the most comfortable weather — mild temperatures, lower humidity, and fewer crowds. Summer is hot and humid but lively with events. Winter is mild and uncrowded, with oyster season in full swing (September–April).

Admission & Costs

Most of Old Town is free to explore. Heyward House guided tours charge a small admission fee. Pinckney Island NWR is free. Kayak rentals typically run $25–$45/hour; fishing charters $350–$500 for a half-day. Golf green fees range from $40 (public courses) to $200+ (resort courses).

Common questions

Frequently Asked Questions

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